While growing up in St. Louis, I watched a lot of television. Shows like “The Andy Griffith Show” and “Green Acres” fueled my imagination. I still sing the theme song to “Green Acres” sometimes when I’m out on my John Deere brush hogging the modest acreage I now own.

Where were these magical places called “Mayberry” and “Hooterville”? Were the people there really so friendly and, in some cases, clueless? I’m looking at you, Goober.

Gregory Booker(Photo: Courtesy of Gregory Booker)

Over the past decade, I’ve spent time traveling to small towns, quietly photographing them. Recently, though, I’ve started wondering what makes them tick and have been studying, specifically, the businesses that are the lifeblood of these places that the highways have long since bypassed.

If you hit a town while driving through Douglas County, Missouri, you will have stumbled onto Ava. It’s the only town in Douglas County. And if you need a watch or a clock repaired, you might want to stop in at Strong’s Watch Shop, 212 N. Jefferson St., like so many others have before.

When I asked Donnie Strong how long he’s been there he says, “too long.” I think he’s joking.

Donnie and his wife, Brenda, have owned Strong’s Watch Shop in Ava since 1971.

The two have been married since 1966, just a few weeks before Donnie left for the Army after receiving an invitation from Uncle Sam. Two years later, after serving his country, these natives of Ava found themselves in Kansas City, trying to find their way.

That’s when Donnie decided to go to the Kansas City School of Watchmaking. From 1969 to 1970 he learned his craft, and the two opened their doors in Ava soon after.

Brenda says they’ve had to work other jobs over the years to keep the lights on, but they remained committed to their business.

I ask if they’ve thought about moving. Donnie ponders the question and says he has, “but it costs so much more” to run a business in a bigger city.

“Our children and grandchildren and church are here,” Brenda adds.

Still considering the question as to whether they’ve thought about moving to a bigger town, Donnie notes, “Ain’t that many watchmakers around.”

It seems the Strongs are happy right where they are.

Gregory Booker teaches photojournalism and multimedia writing classes at Drury University and is a former Kansas City Star photo editor. He's been documenting small towns for nine years. His images have been displayed nationally and internationally. This is the third column in an ongoing series. Contact him at gbooker@drury.edu